Solar power has been under research and development for years. Slowly the use of solar power for lighting is becoming available to all. The newest technological development in solar powered lights is hybrid solar lighting (HSL). This makes better use of sunlight in its natural form and it specifically targets energy consumed by electric lights. Electric lights consume the largest amount of energy. Lighting accounts for more than a third of all electricity consumed for commercial use in the United States.

HSL will use a specially designed collector to focus natural full-spectrum sunlight into optical cables while simultaneously converting infrared energy that would otherwise be wasted. Once perfected this type of solar powered lighting will convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional solar technologies.

In current Solar Lighting and power systems, roof-mounted concentrator collect sunlight and distribute it through the optical fibers to hybrid lighting fixtures in the building. These systems also produce electricity for supplemental lighting or other uses.

Currently there are two proposed applications for HSL systems. The first is for use in commercial buildings to replace traditional lighting. Second, researcher are investigating the use of HSL as a component in new hybrid solar photo-bioreactors that sequester carbon via enhanced photosynthetic-based bio-processing at power plants.

Solar powered lighting can be used to light up both the inside and outside of your home. Some of the most readily available types of SL are outdoor lighting. Just visit your local home and garden retailer and you’ll find several varieties of outdoor lighting for landscaping, walks, decks and more.

Using outdoor solar powered lighting is advantageous for many reasons. First the energy source is the sun, so it costs you nothing to operate this type of lighting. Secondly, you can place this lighting where you want it. There is no need for electrical hook-up or maintenance. All you have to do is set the lighting where you want it and enjoy.